Today’s classic song of the day is “Walk a Mile in My Shoes” by Joe South. It’s a song about the need for tolerance and understanding, by recognizing what others are experiencing. As the lyrics say:
If I could be you, if you could be me
For just one hour
If we could find a way
To get inside each other’s mind
If you could see you through my eyes
Instead of your ego
I believe you’d be, I believe you’d be
Surprised to see
That you’ve been blind
Walk a mile in my shoes
Just walk a mile in my shoes
And before you abuse, criticize and accuse
Just walk a mile in my shoes
“Walk a Mile in My Shows” was written and produced by Joe South. The song was released in January of 1970 and it hit #12 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Cash Box Top 100, and #3 on Billboard’s Easy Listening chart.
Joe South had his first hit in 1958, with a novelty song called “The Purple People Eater Meets the Witch Doctor.” He had several other hits, including 1969’s “Games People Play,” which won Grammy Awards for Best Contemporary Song and Song of the Year. Mr. South wrote several songs that were hits for other artists, including “Down on the Boondocks” (for Billy Joe Royal), “I Knew You When” (for both Billy Joe Royal and Donny Osmond), “Yo Yo” (for the Osmonds), “Hush” (for Deep Purple), and “Rose Garden” (for Lynn Anderson). Mr. He also played guitar for a number of other artists and their hits, including Tommy Roe’s “Sheils” and Aretha Franklin’s “Chain of Fools.”
Joe South passed away in 2012 of heart failure. He was 72 years old.
And here’s your daily bonus video of the day, the promo film for Joe South’s “Walk a Mile in My Shoes.” The message still matters.
